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TEST DRIVE MEME

Considering apping into MASK OR MENACE? Want to dip your toes into the setting and get a feel of whether your character will fit into it? Or maybe you're just cruising and want to play around? Then you've come to the right place!

Pick any of the following scenarios below or feel free to make up your own, but don't be afraid to throw yourself at someone else's thread, either!

And remember to have fun!

01. Your memory might be a haze still and you might even feel frustrated or anxious by the sudden news that you are no longer in your own world and that the Porter scientists and military cannot send you back. You don't get a chance to linger long in the underground Porter lab, but something is clearly amiss; light patches on the floor indicate something else used to sit in that spot in the room. Parts of the wall, floor and the tables look recently refurbished -- something happened in here not too long ago.

You're ushered out quickly and then suddenly, you're enveloped in a faint blue blue light before you find yourself under the bright Floridian sun. Another soldier steps toward you with a smile, directing your attention to a car near a large gate. She mentions she'll be debriefing you soon, handing out a brown folder. You don't see the digital tattoo on your wrist, but it's quickly explained on your way over to the car as you realize there are other confused faces nearby, all holding files of their own.

02. The small, cheery city of Heropa is finishing some downtown construction work following an attack some months ago. There are enough construction crews still around and on break to wave and raise a cup of coffee in a salute to the most obvious imPorts. You might even be thanked for playing a role in saving the city from whatever happened.

Wherever you go, locals are pleasant and courteous enough, sometimes stepping forward to ask for a quick photo or autograph. Every now and then, however, anyone who is so obviously an imPort will find a local backing away from them nervously, pulling their child back with them before closing a door.

03. De Chima, Virginia, is a large city with a healthy economy, and though it's quieter, there are just as many citizens awed at your presence. Heavy winds have people grasping at their newspapers and constantly brushing hair out of their faces, but that doesn't distract them from crowding you in excitement if you're obviously from a different time or world, or just let it slip that you're a newcomer. Children and young teenagers are especially likely to ask for an autograph and a photo.

Some locals seem less enthused to see you. They never make an approach, but they can be overheard scoffing and muttering something about cameras. "Who do they think they are?" or "I don't like it... it reminds me of the government corruption back in the eighties." What could they be talking about?

04. Maurtia Falls, Pennsylvania, is just fine as always. Ask the residents about their opinions on the recent two-block space that burned in a fire or the imPorts mixed up in the incident, and the locals will shrug. They're just not interested in talking politics. Try asking the local imPort Ambassador. What's his name? Ryan? Revan? They don't offer any more information. Naturally for a big city, the people are somewhat aloof in nature. You might even notice the police are just the same, turning their heads the other way when two shady figures exchange fat wads of cash at the street corner. Did the police just drive away in their hovervehicle without bothering to observe what those two were up to? They sure did.

05. Nonah, North Carolina, is the liveliest of all cities. It's loud, busy and there's some kind of energy in the air that gets everyone buzzing with excitement. Anyone who they come to determine an imPort is bombarded with all sorts of offers; job offers, advertising gigs, spokesperson for advocating children stay in school, etc. Anything and everything! You name it. Shops offer discounts for food and clothing, whatever they need. People flock in droves with questions, but they all say the same thing. Thank you for your service to this country, Hero. You saved a lot of lives. Wow, feels great to be a hero, doesn't it?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well excuse me, your highness.

[ somehow Parker is already going through someone's wallet while still managing to be fussed ]

Oi! I'm—

[ She turns, spots the wallet, and whatever she was about to say is forgotten, because... how the hell? ]

Do you mind not drawing attention to us? They're gonna do the thing again.

[ it doesn't even register with her that Sarah is confused by her life ]

[ She quickly grabs Parker by the elbow and tries to haul her into an alleyway. She's not really sure which thing is "the thing," but either way she doesn't want them being followed. ]

How'd you do that?

[ goes with her but she's surprised and a little like um why are you touching me. when they get out of view she does pull her arm away— not emphatically but more the way that a horse tries to shake flies ]

Do what?

[ It's cool. Not like she really wanted to hold hands. ]

Get that wallet so quick.

[ she's a little bewildered because like... what does this girl even mean? how is this a hard concept?? ]

I took it?

[ She's still a little disbelieving, but only because it's something she couldn't pull off herself. ]

... Nice job, then.

Why are you looking at me like that?

[ ???? she is wondering if she has something on her face ]

It's just, like—

[ Now that she has to articulate it, she feels stupid. After all, doesn't everyone here have superpowers or some shit? But she keeps on anyway. ]

I don't know anyone who could do that so fast without being caught.

[ she relaxes a bit ]

Oh, just that? It's kind of what I do.

Like for a hobby or a career?

[ She doesn't sound as judgmental as you might expect, because welcome to Sarah "I've never held a real job and get most of my money from conning unsuspecting men" Manning. ]

Yes?

One time I was bored, so I stole the Hope diamond and then put it back.

[ conversational as one would be if they were describing, you know, something legitimate and legal ]

[ She snorts. ]

Yeah, okay, that I don't believe.

Why? Because you didn't hear about it?

[ is very entertained ]

[ Now she does sound judgey. ]

And because you'd have to be insane to steal something like that only to put it back.

[ laughs at that because, let's face it, it's the funniest thing she's heard all day. also it doesn't do much toward denying that ]

[ Sarah just watches her for a few seconds, waiting to see if Parker's going to try and explain herself, then sighs lightly, because of course she isn't. ]

... Anyway.

[ Time to get moving again. ]